It feels like a lifetime ago, but the return of our Year 11 students not only signals the beginning of the phased return this week but also the start of regular COVID testing for students. Initially students will have three ‘Lateral Flow Device’ (LFD) tests in school, they will then be provided with kits to carry out the tests twice-weekly at home. In addition to the regular measures in place last term; students remaining within their year group bubbles,  wearing face coverings in corridors and communal areas, numerous hand sanitising stations and staggered break times, students are expected to wear face coverings in lessons when social distancing cannot be maintained.

For the first time since the schools were suddenly closed to the majority of students in January, only a day after they were due to reopen, it has been the first opportunity for staff and students alike to be able to see one another properly outside of online lessons. After some initial anxiety, the atmosphere within school today has been one of positivity and hope, with smiles and laughter from everyone.

We look forward to welcoming students in Years 10, 12 and 13 back on Tuesday and Years 7, 8 and 9 on Wednesday.